These are the World's Ten Best Ethical Destinations, named by Ethical Traveler based on human rights, environmental preservation and social welfare. Places are not ranked, and are in alphabetical order. (Pictured: Riga, Latvia) less

These are the World's Ten Best Ethical Destinations, named by Ethical Traveler based on human rights, environmental preservation and social welfare. Places are not ranked, and are in alphabetical order. ... more

Photo: Spud Hilton, The Chronicle

These are the World's Ten Best Ethical Destinations, named by... Photo-5539212.75142 - Houston Chronicle

Image 2 of 14

The Bahamas returned to the list this year, in part because of efforts to establish Marine Protected Areas. It also ranked high for human rights.

The Bahamas returned to the list this year, in part because of efforts to establish Marine Protected Areas. It also ranked high for human rights.

Photo: Jane Wooldridge, MCT

The Bahamas returned to the list this year, in part because of... Photo-5539213.75142 - Houston Chronicle

Image 3 of 14

Barbados is among the nations leading the drive toward sustainable means of building tourism while protecting its coastline. It also scored "particularly high" related to child mortality rates.

Barbados is among the nations leading the drive toward sustainable means of building tourism while protecting its coastline. It also scored "particularly high" related to child mortality rates.

Photo: Bob Downing, McClatchy-Tribune News Service

Barbados is among the nations leading the drive toward sustainable... Photo-5539214.75142 - Houston Chronicle

Image 4 of 14

Cape Verde "remains a model for political and civil rights in Africa, introducing laws prohibiting discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation." It also ranked well in creating tourism that doesn't harm the environment. less

Cape Verde "remains a model for political and civil rights in Africa, introducing laws prohibiting discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation." It also ranked well in creating tourism that doesn't harm ... more

Chile received high scores in the categories of political rights and civil liberties, as well as press freedom. It also showed improvement in its environmental record.

Chile received high scores in the categories of political rights and civil liberties, as well as press freedom. It also showed improvement in its environmental record.

Photo: Rebecca Cooney, TPN

Chile received high scores in the categories of political rights... Photo-5539216.75142 - Houston Chronicle

Image 7 of 14

In Dominica, "native species and forests are relatively unspoiled in comparison to neighboring islands," according to the report. It also has expanded solar power use around the island.

In Dominica, "native species and forests are relatively unspoiled in comparison to neighboring islands," according to the report. It also has expanded solar power use around the island.

Photo: David Madison, Getty Images

In Dominica, "native species and forests are relatively... Photo-5539217.75142 - Houston Chronicle

Image 8 of 14

Latvia was the highest ranked of this year's countries according to the World Economic Forum's Global Gender Gap Report, showing Latvia to be a leader in gender equality. It also scored well on environmental protection. less

Latvia was the highest ranked of this year's countries according to the World Economic Forum's Global Gender Gap Report, showing Latvia to be a leader in gender equality. It also scored well on environmental ... more

Photo: Spud Hilton, The Chronicle

Latvia was the highest ranked of this year's countries... Photo-5539218.75142 - Houston Chronicle

Image 9 of 14

Environmental preservation (including on the Curonian Spit, pictured) is among the reasons Lithuania has made the list three years in a row.

Environmental preservation (including on the Curonian Spit, pictured) is among the reasons Lithuania has made the list three years in a row.

Mauritius scored well under the social welfare category, in part because of improvements in property rights and labor freedom. It also consistently has been rated by the Index of African Governance as the best run country in sub-Saharan Africa. less

Mauritius scored well under the social welfare category, in part because of improvements in property rights and labor freedom. It also consistently has been rated by the Index of African Governance as the best ... more

Photo: St. Regis Mauritius

Mauritius scored well under the social welfare category, in part... Photo-5539220.75142 - Houston Chronicle

Image 12 of 14

Palau, according to the report, is a "notable environmental protector," citing that more than 28 percent of the nation's land and marine area is protected. It also scored well in freedom of press.

Palau, according to the report, is a "notable environmental protector," citing that more than 28 percent of the nation's land and marine area is protected. It also scored well in freedom of press.

Photo: Rosemary McClure, Los Angeles Times

Palau, according to the report, is a "notable environmental... Photo-5539221.75142 - Houston Chronicle

Image 13 of 14

Uruguay is making "a bold push toward sustainable energy." The country also ranked well for political rights, civil liberties and press freedoms.

Uruguay is making "a bold push toward sustainable energy." The country also ranked well for political rights, civil liberties and press freedoms.